It's been a few years since Joe's last proper studio album 1998's Rapid Fire Rondo, which if being honest I found a bit of a let down after the guitar tour-de-force that was its predecessor Supersonic Shred Machine. However, during this time Joe has released an album of live material and demo outtakes (2001: A Shred Odyssey) and project solo albums (the recommended Armed & Ready is one of these) in addition to a couple of albums by his superb vocal neo-classical band outfit Reign Of Terror. However, fans of Joe's solo work have been waiting for a 100% new solo album for some time - simply the wait has been worth it.

Speed Metal Messiah sees Stump raise his game in every department. The first major apparent improvement is the production of this album - sonically this album is superb with a very clear mix and great separation between the instruments (the album was mixed by Reign Of Terror vocalist Michael Vescera). In addition Joe has really honed his instrumental crafting skills and the sound now is firmly his own. Lastly the actual playing itself has taken several more steps up the ladder (never one thing Stump has been lacking for sure) with the whole guitar work just sounding supremely confident and really going for the jugular with its precision, skill and sheer energy.

Those familiar with Joe's previous solo releases will have some idea of what to expect and the short opener Prelude is a classically fuelled mix of arpeggios over a grandiose backing.

Speed Metal Messiah (the track) swiftly takes off with a fast riff over which Stump layers up the guitars. The track is reminiscent in some ways of the material from Supersonic Shred Machine (it has a similar vibe) in that we have a riff followed by numerous guitar motifs. One aspect of the track that shows the improvements Joe has made are the more melodic bluesy moments within this track. These help give the other furious parts more impact and keep the track more streamlined. The 2 stringed Blackmore-ish arpeggios around the 2:50 mark are a particular joy and really give the track a sense of pace and excitement - sublime stuff.

The Red Priest starts out with more furious classical touches before another scalding metal riff tears your face off. This leads into some more neo-classical touches with pedal points merging with arpeggios, yet all the time keeping a coherent melody within the structure. These transcend down the neck in linear fashion before the metal riff reappears. At 2:55 the track breaks down into an riff that has a classic Megadeth feel with some phasing effect to add more evil to the tonality, before Joe leads into some snaky lead work combining fast linear licks with devilish bends. A couple of key changes later the track builds to a majestic harmonised melody that sees nice instrumentation with a harpsichord underneath.

Eastern Beast commences with a clean guitar tone playing around some medieval sounding scales with a strong Blackmore slant to the note choice. A mid paced simple yet effective riffs lead takes over which leads into a variation of the initial riff with atmospheric keyboard chords adding more depth. Over this Joe lays down a sublime octave divider led melody. The track is one of the most accessible on the album yet showcases everything Stump can do extremely well. The moody main melody leads into more heavily classical orientated lines before the majestic riff comes forth once again. Eastern Beast is guaranteed to become a Joe Stump classic.

Weapon Of Choice is home to some of the most frenzied arpeggios I have heard in some time! A classic metal riff then creates the backdrop for the track. After the frenzied opening the track leads into more melodic water. Fear-ye-not Stump fans this is still Joe Stump 100% through and through. Again there is a Blackmore-ish tinge to some of the lines heard here.

Things then get super melodic for Reflection. The title suggests the nature of this track and indeed it is a track with a lot of emotion within it, and is easily accessible for even the most hardened guitar instrumental cynic. The guitar work here is simply beautiful with extremely strong vibrato and choice note selection throughout its 7-minute plus running time. Reflection is another highlight and worth the price of purchase alone!

The Killer Instinct is another mid tempo track yet the guitar work is extremely technical and intricate. Again there is good structure to the track, and the main melodies are good once again strong, special mention must go the great backing from Jay Rigney (bass) and Jay Gates (drums) who underpin the whole album tremendously throughout.

Dragons Den is a solo piece from Joe that moves from an etude with Joe duelling with delay pedal before building the tension through some rapid arpeggios all very classically influenced.

Unleashing The Fury is dedicated to Yngwie Malmsteen and Ritchie Blackmore and is another album highlight. The intro arpeggios and riffing are certainly reminiscent of Mr Malmsteen before heading into a bluesier Blackmore vibe with simpler riffing before the main lead guitar comes in with more Blackmore charm. The track then builds with some more classically influenced lines before Stump plays some of the most inspired lead lines I have heard from him. This is where the enhanced clarity of this recording really pays off; hearing the intricacies in full sonic glory is delightful.

Retroactivity sees Joe getting down and dirty in true blues style. This is upbeat blues (think Frank Marino, Band Of Gypsies era Hendrix) and for sonic authenticity Stump stomps on the Rotovibe for that swirling phasing effect - great stuff. A great riff comes in at the 3:00 mark, simple yet powerful.

Psycho Shred Suite 1st Movement features some of the most intense playing I have ever heard from Stump. Very classical in nature yet chock full of metal attitude the track is sure to delight the legions of Stump fans around the world.

Cadenza Diablo offers somewhat of a breather after Psycho Shred Suite 1st Movement, a beautiful solo piece that sees Joe playing some fine classical licks over keyboard textures provided by Mats Olausson.

Stump then pounds back with Psycho 2nd Movement Presto which if not quite as intense as the 1st Movement is still enough to mere mortals bow down at the alter of the Shred Lord. Again a strong early Rising Force vibe is here, which adds more charm to the track.

The 2-minute track Chamber Maid closes the album with its baroque overtones. Very classical in nature with extra authenticity coming from Mats Olausson's orchestration on harpsichord and strings. Here Stump's guitar tone is superb, clean, glassy and pure allowing all the nuances to stand out.

With Speed Metal Messiah Joe Stump has delivered the album his previous releases have all hinted at. This release is home to sheer class in every department with enough sonic tapestries to make even the most hardcore guitar nut die with ecstasy, yet enough focus and restraint (where required) to make the album appealing to those not so impressed by instrumental releases.

In short Speed Metal Messiah has everything you could want in an instrumental release in the neo-classical genre, and in the process Stump has delivered a masterpiece all of his own.

Hot Spots : Eastern Beast, Reflection, Unleashing The Fury, Psycho Shred Suite 1st Movement, Chamber Maid.

Rating : 95%